Tooled Up Education

Being a Positive Bystander: Scenarios to Discuss with Children and Teens

Talking in family life about the importance of being a good bystander is vital to help our children navigate situations that they are likely to find themselves in. Use these scenarios (for both younger children and teens) to initiate discussion about common circumstances where they might find themselves witness to harmful talk, abuse or bigotry and work out how they can challenge it.

Spotlight on ADHD: A Panel Discussion

Watch this panel discussion on ADHD for an in-depth discussion of causes, medication, supportive measures and so much more. Packed full of questions sent in by Tooled Up schools and parents, our panel respond with positivity, bringing the latest research and practical evidence-based suggestions.

Tackling Prejudice: Schools and Parents Working Together

Bennie Kara is a deputy headteacher in the East Midlands, specialising in curriculum, teaching and learning. She is an award-winning speaker, writer and trainer on diversity in schools and the curriculum, co-founder of Diverse Educators and a professional associate at Leeds Beckett University. This webinar aims to provide parents with information about how best to speak to their child about prejudice and how to support children if they are experiencing any prejudice at school from their peers.

Autism Conference Bonus Talk: Neurodiversity in Early Childhood

How can we celebrate neurodiversity and empower children in their early years? Join ADHD and autism early childhood specialist Kerry Murphy for a presentation on how we can identify our (usually unconscious) ableist assumptions and start to replace them with neurodivergent-led practices. For example, how to incorporate a child’s special interests or stimming to help them feel safe and happy.

Autism Conference Bonus Talk: How to Support Autistic Children with PDA

Join educational and autism consultant/author Laura Kerbey for a presentation on PDA. Learn about the main characteristics of PDA, and crucially how young people often avoid things they love to do because of the anxiety triggered by the perceived demand or expectation. Laura talks us through some tools for support, including low-demand communication.

Autism Conference Talk: An Autistic Composer Shares How Autism Shaped His Musical Career

Join Benji Merrison as he shares the ways in which autism helped to shape his successful career as an Emmy-nominated composer (for his work on the David Attenborough documentaries Green Planet and Dynasties). Listen for an uplifting perspective on autism as an essential component of some of the most beautiful things humans have created! Music in turn gave Benji the emotional-regulation his undiagnosed younger self needed.

Autism Conference Talk: A Demonstration of the “SOFA” App – Write Stories to Support Autistic Children

Watch this demonstration of the helpful app “SOFA” (Stories Online for Autism) with Louis Camilleri. Learn how you can co-create stories with autistic children to reduce anxiety about upcoming events. For example, you will be able to create a story about a new school, introducing your child to their classroom and teacher and detailing what will happen the following day. Write a story about any activity to prepare your child and increase their confidence.

Autism Conference Talk: An Educators’ Guide to Autism and Gender Dysphoria

Join Dr Kate Cooper for a deep dive into the intersection of autism and gender dysphoria. Watch this webinar for an understanding of how challenges with communication, dealing with change, and identity can affect an autistic young person experiencing gender dysphoria. There are lots of practical tips for support: how to approach this with kindness and curiosity, and how to empower parents in helping their children.